Gold's Gym Expands In Russia And Eastern Europe

Gold's Gym International announced that they have formed a Master franchise development rights alliance with Power Sports Management Company for expansion in Russia, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, and the Ukraine. Power Sports is a pioneer for the Gold's Gym brand in Russia and already manages the Moscow gym which is one of the largest and most successful Gold's Gyms in the world.

"It's exciting to bring the quality and expertise of the Gold's Gym brand to emerging markets," said Paul Kuebler, owner and spokesperson of Power Sports Management Company. "The fitness industry continues to evolve around the world and we are excited to be poised as leaders in this growth and change. We have had tremendous success with our Moscow Gym and we now look forward to launching other Gold's Gyms like this one throughout our region." Kuebler's partners include James Weinstock, Drew Steichen and Vladimir Growmlik.

"Gold's and Power Sports will aggressively promote the brand by Franchising Gold's Gym International throughout the region," said Ben Amante, SVP of Franchising, Gold's Gym International. "The people at Power Sports are seasoned veterans in the fitness industry and once more, they have a track record as well as a keen understanding of the business environment in this region. They are an extraordinarily focused and bright group of developers, and we are excited about this strategic partnership."

During the last 18 months, Gold's has also expanded its Franchise operations into Asia, the Caribbean, Peru, Mexico, Egypt, India, Japan, Central and South America. The company's goal is to develop 1,000 gyms worldwide by the year 2005. Gold's has 622 gyms throughout the world.

Gold's Gym has been the authority in fitness since 1965. Respectfully nicknamed "The Mecca of Bodybuilding," Gold's Gym gained worldwide notoriety in 1977 with the movie Pumping Iron, which starred members Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno.

From its famous members to its famous sportswear, Gold's Gym has become the largest gym chain in the world. Today there are over 2,500,000 members in 24 countries. It is the gym of preference of amateur and pro athletes as well as the entertainment industry and anyone else who is serious about fitness.